Despite finishing the season with a four-game winning streak and a victory over the Saints yesterday, the Falcons’ 8-9 record wasn't enough to save them. For the second year in a row, Atlanta watched the playoffs from the couch while their NFC South rivals, the Carolina Panthers, took the crown.
The Stats: Why the "Clean Sweep" Happened
Arthur Blank’s patience finally evaporated after five years of mediocrity. While the defense showed flashes of brilliance, the lack of a cohesive identity and back-to-back losing seasons under Morris proved fatal.
| Role | Name | Tenure | Final Record/Status |
| Head Coach | Raheem Morris | 2 Seasons | 16-18 (No Playoffs) |
| General Manager | Terry Fontenot | 5 Seasons | 37-48 (No Playoffs) |
"The results on the field have not met our expectations or those of our fans," Blank said in a chilling statement released Sunday night.
Who’s Next? The 3 Favorites to Take the Reins
With a vacancy at both GM and Head Coach, the Falcons are now the most attractive—and desperate—destination in the league. Here is who is currently at the top of the "Hot List":
1. The Homecoming Hero: Matt Ryan
Rumors are swirling that the legendary "Matty Ice" is being courted for a massive front-office role. Could he be the one to pick the next coach?
2. The Defensive Genius: Brian Flores
The Vikings' defensive coordinator is the hottest name on the market. His aggressive scheme is exactly what many believe this talented Falcons roster needs to finally get over the hump.
3. The Offensive Mastermind: Klint Kubiak
After reviving the Seahawks' offense this year, Kubiak is seen as the man who could finally unlock the full potential of Bijan Robinson and Drake London.
What Happens Now?
The Falcons have already hired two separate consulting firms (ZRG Partners and Sportsology Group) to begin the search for new leadership. Fans are demanding a "big fish"—but with the #1 overall pick in the 2026 Draft currently belonging to the Raiders, the new GM will have to get creative to find a franchise-saving quarterback.